Good news for Fortnite fans as Nintendo set to introduce PAID online service to Switch

Fortnite is an incredibly popular game – it’s played by missions of people around the world – and part of its appeal is that it is free-to-play.

Nintendo is set to introduce a paid online service to Nintendo Switch consoles later this year, though, and ahead of the launch, people were worried that they’d be unable to play Fortnite without subscribing to the service and paying Nintendo’s monthly subscription costs.

The eagle-eyed gamers over at ResetEra have noted something interesting, though.

A few games – such as Minecraft – carry a warning that outlines the launch of the service will require a paid membership to access online play. The message reads;

To use online services you must have access to a wireless internet connection. Some online services may not be available in all countries. From the full launch of the Nintendo Switch Online membership service in 2018, online play requires a paid membership.

ResetEra users noted that Fortnite, Paladins, Pinball FX3, Pokémon Quest and Fallout Shelter don’t carry this message, suggesting that free-to-play games are held apart from full-priced titles and will not be subject to an online subscription surcharge.

UK prices for the service have not yet been announced, but you can expect to see the American prices reflected in the UK:

• Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online: Subscribers will have access to NES – Nintendo Switch Online, a compilation of classic NES games. The collection will initially include 20 games, with more added on a regular basis. At launch, previously announced games Balloon Fight, Dr. Mario and Super Mario Bros. 3 will be joined by Donkey Kong, Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Bros., Soccer, Super Mario Bros. and Tennis. An additional 10 launch games will be announced in the future.

• For the first time ever, players will be able to enjoy these classic NES games online. Depending on the game, players can engage in online competitive or co-op multiplayer, or take turns controlling the action. Friends can even watch each other play single-player games online, and “pass the controller” at any time. Every classic NES game will support voice chat via the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app*. It will also be possible to play these games offline.

• Save Data Cloud Backup: By using Nintendo Switch Online, a backup of Nintendo Switch save data for most Nintendo Switch games will be stored online for easy access. This is great for people who want to retrieve their data if they lose, break or purchase an additional Nintendo Switch system.

• Online Play: A Nintendo Switch Online membership will be needed to participate in co-op and competitive online features for many current and upcoming Nintendo Switch games, such as Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, Mario Tennis Aces and Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido.

• Nintendo Switch Online App: The Nintendo Switch Online smartphone application can be used to enhance the online experience for compatible games through voice chat and other features.